Tihar festival begins
Tihar, the second biggest festival of the Hindus, which is known as the festival of lights has begun today.
Also known as Yamapanchak, the first day of the five-day festival began today with Kaag Pooja (prayer of crow).
The first day is observed by offering food to Kaag (crow) as per religious traditions. The crow is regarded as the messenger. Popular belief is that one sins if he/she eats without worshipping the crow today.
The second day of the five-day long festival is Kukur Pooja (prayer of dogs). People offer food to dog on the day.
The third day of the festival is marked with the prayers to Gai (the cow) and Laxmi (the goddess of wealth), with Gobardhan Pooja on the fourth day and Bhai Tika on the fifth and final day.
People visit door to door and play 'Deusi and Bhailo' during the festival, which make the festival fun and enchanting.
On the final day of the Yamapanchak, brothers and sisters worship each other and offer Tika, the celebration of which is believed to increase the fame and life of the brothers.
During the Yamapanchak, people clean their houses and surroundings and offer worship to Yamraj, the god of death, in the belief that the house and the family would be spared from unnatural and untimely death.
Oil-fed lamps are lit and night illumination is also carried out during this festival.
The people of the Newar community perform what is called ‘Mha Puja (worship of the self)’ on the fourth day of the Yamapanchak. nepalnews.com pb Oct 30 05
|
